112 EXPERIMENTAL FARMS 



5 GEORGE v., A. 1915 



Barley Germ Meal, Laboratory No. 14974. — The manufacturer is stated by our 

 correspoudent to be the ' Brassiere Champlain de' Quebec' Tbe analysis shows it to be 

 somewhat richer in protein and poorer in fat than dried brewers' grains, with a lower 

 fibre content than is usually found in this latter feeding stuff and its general feeding 

 value, we presume, would be found slightly superior. 



Veiny Pea Hay, Lahoratory No. 15672: — Commonly known as Veiny i*ea 

 (Lathy rus venosus Muhl). This fodder plant was forwarded from Birch Hills, Sask. 

 Our correspondent writes ' this forage plant, with the Pea Vine vetch (Laboratory 

 No. 15672) grows in abundance on newly cleared land, continuing to grow for some 

 years in grain fields. They also grow on bluffs, climbing trees. These vines grow 

 with many wild grasses and are cured for hay. They furnish the first green stuff 

 in the spring and are the last to freeze in the fall. They are relished by all classes of 

 stock. I know of one man, living in the bush, who raises hogs chiefly on these 

 vines.' 



The sample as received ("September 9), was in the late flowering or fruiting stage, 

 but contained no pods; the length of the vines was about 20 inches. The Dominion 

 Botanist reports it a^ of doubtful value for economic growth. 



The crude protein content is high, even for a leguminous hay, and the fibre is not 

 at all excessive for a roughage of this character. Provided, therefore, that it is found 

 to be palatable it should prove a highly nutritious feed. 



American Vetch Hay, Lahoratory No. 1567S. — Commonly known as Pea Vine 

 (Vicia Americana Muhl). This was forwarded with the preceeding sample. It was 

 in the late flowering or fruiting stage, with stems about 18 inches long. It is reported 

 by the Dominion Botanist as of doubtful economic value. 



In composition it appears to be slightly inferior to the sample of Veiny Pea, but 

 is nevertheless a rich fodder and in practical feeding work there is probably not much 

 difference in their values. 



Cocoa-hean Husks, Lahoratory No. 16311.- — This sample of cocoa shell or husks 

 was forwarded from the Experimental Farm, Agassiz, B.C., where it was proposed, if 

 found of satisfactory composition, to use this material in a feeding trial with cattle 

 and Bwine. It is apparently a by-product of the cocoa and chocolate factory. A 

 sample forwarded from Halifax, N.S., in 1898, furnished on analysis figures very 

 similar to those now obtained. 



We have no reliable information as to the digestibility of this product as a whole, 

 but we do know that cocoa butter fat is readily assimilated. It is possible, therefore, 

 that this by-product has a high feeding value. If found fairly digestible and pala- 

 table it might serve, if finely ground, as an important constituent of the ration, fur- 

 nishing protein and fat. Its palatability is a point upon which more information is 

 needed, but it would seem probable that 2 pounds or so might be fed daily per head 

 to dairy cows. t 



Attention may be directed to the richness of this material in fertilizing constitu- 

 ents, the following being the data obtained on this sample. Nitrogen 2.54 per cent; 

 phosphoric acid 1-01 per cent and potash 2-80 per cent. These for the most part 

 would be recovered in the solid and liquid excreta. 



* Mixed Concentrates ' , Laboratory No. 16961. — This feeding stuff was forwarded' 

 from New Westminster, B.C., where it could be purchased at $28 per ton, ' oat chop ' 

 being sold at $30 per ton. It is stated that the cows relish the feed and seemingly do 

 well on it. 



It would seem to be an acceptable feeding stuff, comparing well with bran of good 

 quality as to protein and fibre and decidedly richer in fat than this feeding stuff. As 

 compared with ground or cru?hed oats, it contains higher percentages of protein and 

 fat and has a lower fibre content, so that it should prove the superior feed. 



